Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts

Our staff focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating signs and symptoms of skin aging and deterioration from the sun and other sources. Please use our Aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology care library to learn more about your skin and body's aging, appearance and health treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

There are literally hundreds of different kinds of lumps, bumps and cysts associated with the skin. Fortunately, the vast majority of these are harmless and painless. The chart below provides a guide for some of the most common forms of skin lumps, bumps and cysts.

Dermatofibromas

Characteristics

Red, brown or purple growth; generally benign

Usually found on arms and legs

Feels like a hard lump

Can be itchy, tender to the touch and sometimes painful

Treatment

Usually does not require treatment

Most common removal by surgical excision or cryotherapy (freezing it off with liquid nitrogen)